Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship Curriculum

Transesophageal Echocardiography

One month is dedicated to echocardiography training, with the option of additional elective time.  Fellows work closely with anesthesiologists and cardiologists to perform comprehensive perioperative examinations, both in the operating room and in the echocardiography lab.  Trainees learn the cognitive, manual, and technical skills requisite for National Board of Echocardiography certification in Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography.

Pediatric Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology

Rotation at Children’s Memorial Hospital provides invaluable experience in pediatric cardiothoracic anesthesia.  At the leading pediatric heart center in Illinois, through cases and didactics, trainees will learn about topics like cardiovascular development, congenital defects, and single-ventricle physiology.  Under the supervision of a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist, fellows directly manage children undergoing complex congenital operations.  Pediatric cardiologists further enrich this experience with expertise in TEE.

Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit

A month in Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s 23-bed CTICU offers insight into the postoperative implications of cardiothoracic surgery.  Fellows interact with anesthesiology residents, the cardiothoracic surgical care team, and critical care anesthesiologists to consult on patients who have undergone cardiac and thoracic operations.  Several faculty within the Section of Critical Care Medicine also work in the Section of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, providing perspective on the larger scheme of perioperative cardiothoracic care.

Elective Rotations

Two elective months offer flexibility for tailoring the year to each fellows’ needs.  Options include: additional weeks on any above rotation, more operating room time, or a structured research block.